We present new high-contrast images in near-infrared wavelengths ({lambda}_c_ = 1.04, 1.24, 1.62, 2.18, and 3.78 um) of the young variable star CQ Tau, aiming to constrain the presence of companions in the protoplanetary disc. We reached a Ks-band contrast of 14 mag with SPHERE/IRDIS at separations greater than 0.4' from the star. Our mass sensitivity curve rules out giant planets above 4M_Jup_ immediately outside the spiral arms at ~60au and above 2-3M_Jup_ beyond 100au to 5{sigma} confidence assuming hot-start models. We do, however, detect four spiral arms, a double-arc and evidence for shadows in scattered light cast by a misaligned inner disc. Our observations may be explained by an unseen close-in companion on an inclined and eccentric orbit. Such a hypothesis would also account for the disc CO cavity and disturbed kinematics.